Magnetic field therapy is ideally suited for the treatment of many physical conditions and health maintenance. This modality is of great value because the person may continue treatment on her/his own over a long period of time if necessary. This decreases dependence on the practitioner, which is very important for ongoing self-care. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can be used as the sole treatment in many cases but is often even better with other accepted modalities.

Magnetic fields penetrate the body as if it was air. They are noninvasive and nontoxic, which makes them ideal for the gentle and gradual body rebalancing and healing. Magnetic fields work individually on the natural healing systems of the body but also work through the acupuncture systems. A whole body treatment with magnetic fields can be as strong as acupuncture in many cases. Treatment of the whole person requires an understanding of the underlying causes of the individual's difficulty. Magnetic fields, like other therapies, can help to rebalance the individual but full recovery is unlikely unless the cause of the problem is also managed.

What is a typical treatment like for your patients?

It is very difficult to say that there is a typical treatment. Every individual and problem is unique. Magnetic field treatments can be done with either permanent magnets or pulsating electromagnetic fields. I started out with the use of permanent magnets only. As I have learned more about pulsed magnetic fields, and started having access to these systems, I have begun combining them into a treatment program. They are combined since pulsed magnetic fields act more gently on the body and can frequently accelerate treatment faster. There are strong electromagnetic fields that are only used in the doctor’s office, usually at the start of a course of care. Then, pulsed electromagnetic treatment systems can be purchased for self-managed home use.

Treatments usually take between 8 to 30 minutes, once to three times per day. Pulsed magnetic fields may often be the only treatment required. Occasionally, permanent magnets may be used between therapeutic sessions, especially for orthopedic, musculoskeletal and soft tissue problems. If a rapid response is required, permanent and pulsed fields are combined. If the circumstance requires a more gentle approach, pulsed fields are usually the first to be used, the response is reviewed and if necessary static/permanent magnets are added. For acute problems magnetic therapy treatments could last from several weeks to months. For chronic problems normally long periods of time are required. A proper treatment course frequently combines nutritional supplements, possibly medications and other physical therapies.

How can magnetic fields help to maintain health and wellness?

Magnetic fields can also be used for lifetime health maintenance. Since stress is a continuous challenge in North American life, lifetime health maintenance with the daily use of gentle pulsed magnetic fields is now our reality and a major stress reducer. The primary actions of magnetic fields are to reduce muscle contraction. This means that the muscles of the back and shoulders can be relaxed at the end of every day. This is not to allow stress to gradually accumulate its damage in the body. Whenever there is muscular tension the blood supply to the tissues involved is diminished. This is a primary cause of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, using a whole body treatment mattress, can simulate the oxygen improving benefits of exercise. Therefore, magnetic fields can be a major anti-aging preventive care system. In addition, research is showing that magnetic fields have strong actions on bone, particularly in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Many studies have also shown a benefit in treating arthritis, which almost everyone will get with age. One study has even shown that magnetic field treatment may reduce the development of arthritis in the first place. While individuals may use magnetic fields without consultation with a magnetic therapy expert, the best response and most specific individually tailored treatments would be obtained with this kind of consultation.

William Pawluk, MD, MSc, is an Asssistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School. He is a board certified family physician with training in acupuncture, nutritional/herbal medicine, homeopathy, hypnosis and body......more

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